A Writer’s Bio? But I’m Not Even a Writer!
Well… at least I don’t see myself that way!
Dr. Mehmet Yildiz has requested that I create a story, a ‘Writer’s Bio’, to introduce myself to readers of his publication, ‘Illumination’. I have to admit that I was somewhat taken aback by this request. To be completely honest, it has sent my head spinning.
You see, I don’t fancy myself ‘a writer’. That term brings to mind a particular type of person. When I think of writers I envision well-educated people who have worked relentlessly at honing their knowledge and skills. Their work is thoughtfully planned and they dedicate the lion’s share of their schedule to their writing. It’s their career and they work at it like the job that it is for them. They are artists in their own right.
I wouldn’t dream of trying to set myself in the ranks of ‘writers’. The only reason I’m trolling this platform is that people keep telling me that I ‘should write a book or two, maybe even more. I came to prove them wrong, but in the short time I’ve been here, I’m starting to think I might just be the one who's wrong.
I thought I’d give it a whirl, so that when people say those kinds of things I can tell them, ‘I tried that once, but I don’t have what it takes.’ I don’t have a polished resume, no long list of professional writing experience, nor University degrees.
As a teen, I had two poems published in Volume IX of the American Poetry Anthology. My teacher had sent them into a contest without my knowledge. That is the extent of my formally published work, it’s so…’ last century’.
I am more a whimsical creative with a passion for words, on a good day. Those are the days that I celebrate my blessings and connection with God, family, friends, animals, the Earth, and food. If I get the chance to, I’ll write. Sometimes the writing even flows as beautiful poetry.
On the bad days, it gets a little bit more complicated. You see, I may not be formally educated, but I’ve spent a good portion of my life gleaning a solid knowledge base from the ever-popular School of Hard Knocks.
I was born into a cult, so I write about a tumultuous spiritual journey, abuse and dysfunction. I broke away from the cult by running away with the carnival. My friends all swear that there MUST be a good book in that particular tale.
I write about mental illness and other invisible disabilities that have touched either myself or the people I love. Personally, I have suffered from ADHD, depression, and Fibromyalgia. My sister was bipolar, agoraphobic, and also suffered from Fibromyalgia. She died from vasculitis in 2018. I have a brother that has a drug-induced schizo-affective disorder. My other 5 brothers have all admitted at one time or another that they have ADHD as well. My son has ADHD/ODD and my daughter has severe Anxiety Disorder. My granddaughter has FASD/ADHD/PTSD. My mother is a narcissist and quite likely bi-polar as well. I share stories of enlightenment on the inner workings of the atypical brain and the importance of forgiveness.
I have survived childhood sexual, emotional, and physical abuse. Between the ages of 2 and 30, I was raped by some 32 different men, mostly in my childhood. My son was the product of one of those rapes. I was, for a time, married to an alcoholic with FASD. I fled when he threatened to kill me. I never once considered myself a victim. I am intimately well versed in strength, courage, resilience, and faith.
My husband and I are both currently self-employed. You can read more about what my day-to-day life looks like here.
In all honesty, I don’t know exactly where this writing adventure will take me. I just know that when my brain sets to swirling, writing can bring me back to a place of peace and calm. I know that with the responses I’ve gleaned from strangers on the few pieces I have already shared on this platform and one other, my friends and family that proclaimed I should write might just be on to something.